It’s a question that can stump even seasoned freelancers: What job platform is best for me?

How to Stand Out on a Job Platform

Hundreds of different job platforms cater to freelancers, just as freelancers fill a wide variety of jobs and specialty roles. However, the process of uncovering the right work platform and then standing out on that platform can be a daunting task.

“You have to know, regardless of the job platform, data and algorithms rule. This means you should do a standout job on your profile – that’s how YOU control how the platform displays YOUR data and shows prospective clients what YOU can do. The platform gives you the tools to showcase your wares.  Make the best use of it, or you may get lost out in the job shuffle.” said Elizabeth Eiss, Founder and CEO of the talent curation and freelance recruiting platform ResultsResourcing.

“That’s why it makes sense to focus the platforms you use on those that really fit your needs. That way, you’re spending your time and effort where it will return the most back to you. You’ll see jobs that are the best fit for you, and you can take the time to tailor your proposals to stand out to the client. Know that clients can usually spot a ‘cut and paste’ job. That proposal may be the 1000th time for you, but it’s the first time the client has seen it.”  Customize to that client for a better success rate!

Types of Job Platforms

Job platforms range from broad, either in their reach (i.e., state, country, or global, or the skillsets they cater to and jobs they provide) to specialized (again in geography or by skill, such as content, creative, tech, etc.). They can offer onsite or virtual work and vary in the types of employment they offer (full-time, part-time, freelance, professional, day labor, etc.).

Some platforms offer access to training, support services, or other benefits. Also, some professional organizations offer job postings as a value add for their members.

“First, to find a job platform that matches their needs, a freelancer must identify their strengths, understand their value proposition, and know their target client. Once those qualities are crystal clear, it is much easier to identify correct job platforms because they’re the ones where a freelancer’s target clients go to find help,” said Eiss.

“Next, freelancers need to review the plus and minuses of the actual platforms. For example, there may be costs associated with a platform. If that’s the case, they need to weigh that price against the services and determine if the value is worth it. Also, some platforms have limitations, such as restricting the number of proposals or having a low average pay rate. Additionally, some clients may use certain job platforms as fishing expeditions, so it’s important to ask questions like how many jobs are awarded from the platform, how does the platform guarantee payments, and are the job descriptions clear and detailed? These are all aspects that every freelancer should review before committing their time and effort.”

Knowing the Good from the Bad

An effective job platform benefits everyone who uses the service, both clients and freelancers.

"For example, at ResultsResourcing, we're specifically designed to work with small and medium-sized businesses. Our clients pay us to find, vet, and match them with skilled freelancer professionals. We coach the client and work with them to build their job profile together, so all parties clearly understand the details of the job," said Eiss.

“From there, we do all the hard work for our clients. Each job has a recruiter. We post our positions on the ResultsResourcing site and quality, third-party platforms, like LinkedIn. We narrow down the applicants and conduct detailed interviews with the top 8 to 10 candidates. Next, we recommend custom talent pools of three of the best-matched freelancers to the client, who then interviews those candidates to make the final selection.

"Our process guarantees client satisfaction. For freelancers, the average value of our jobs is high, and we always have a number of ongoing searches, and MANY active jobs in progress. Our ideal client is someone who wants to build a relationship with the freelancers we recommend as well as with us as their trusted freelance staffing partner.”

Are You Right for the Platform?

Once a freelancer has determined that a job platform is right for them, the final question they should ask is if they suit the platform.

“At ResultsResourcing, we work with freelancers who consider themselves professionals in their given field of expertise,” said Eiss. “Often, that means the freelancer is also a small-business owner. We like that because it means they have business mindset and are focused on the value they deliver to their clients. Our freelancers provide great customer service, responsiveness, and reliability because they come from a place of service.”

If you’re new to the freelance space, we encourage you to check out our recent blog for 4 essential steps to help you get started.

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